Onikeku Praises Customs Team After Shocking CNS Spikers at 3rd CGC Volleyball Premier League


Director of Sports, Nigeria Customs Service, Samuel Onikeku, has praised the Nigeria Customs volleyball team following their impressive comeback victory over defending champions CNS Spikers at the 3rd CGC Volleyball Premier League in Abuja on Thursday.


The thrilling encounter saw CNS Spikers begin strongly, taking the opening set 25–21 and putting Customs under early pressure.

However, the former champions responded with remarkable resilience and composure, bouncing back to wrest control of the contest.


Customs leveled the game by claiming the second set 25–21 before narrowly edging the third set 25–22 to seize momentum. They then wrapped up the contest in dominant fashion, cruising to a convincing 25–15 victory in the fourth set to complete a 3–1 comeback win.


Speaking after the match, Onikeku expressed delight with the team’s performance and commended the unwavering support of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the service management.


“We are very happy with this result and the performance of the team. First, I must congratulate the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the management for their unwavering support,” he said.

Onikeku revealed that the service had made deliberate investments in the team’s development, particularly in coaching and player improvement.


“We have invested heavily in this team, starting with our coaches. Last year, we began a development programme that saw our coaches travel abroad for Level 2 certification courses. These preparations are part of our long-term vision,” he stated.

He emphasized that Customs’ ambition extends beyond domestic dominance, with the team targeting continental success.


“Our goal is clear—we want to conquer Africa, and this is part of that journey. We are pushing hard and will not underestimate any opponent,” Onikeku added.

Reflecting on lessons from last season, he noted that the team had focused on improving its first-phase performance to avoid past mistakes.


“We want to gather enough points in this phase to make the second phase easier for us. Last season, we lost the league because we did not perform well enough in the first phase, so we deliberately worked harder this time.”


He also highlighted the team’s exposure through international competitions, including Zone 3 tournaments and participation in Kigali, as crucial to their current success.


According to Onikeku, strategic recruitment has also strengthened the squad.


“We brought in quality additions—players who can solve specific problems. They have integrated well and improved the squad significantly.”

He concluded by challenging the players to remain focused and continue striving for greater achievements.


“The Comptroller-General continues to set high standards for us, and we have no choice but to align with that vision and keep striving for excellence in sports for the Nigeria Customs Service and for Nigeria.”


The victory boosts Nigeria Customs’ campaign in the 3rd CGC Volleyball Premier League and reinforces their status as strong contenders for the title.